Gearknobs - alternatives

A

a11y

Veteran
 Central Scotland
I've never liked the standard Z4 3.0i gearknob and was always on the lookout for an alternative. I wanted something metal after owning a Civic Type R for a while, and the standard knob was lovely: a titianium-coloured round metal affair.

The Storm Motorwerks one appealed, but I just couldn't justify £65+ on a gearknob, so I've ended up buying one of these:

mid_satinball_gearknob.jpg


It's a Richbrook Satin Ball gearknob, totally devoid of any engraving or anything on the top of it. Less than £22 delivered. I bought the darker of the 2 colours (officially "titanium" coloured) as it matches the trim in my Z4 perfectly. Fitted it last night and it feels lovely (i'm sure it won't during the depths of winter!), a good size for my large hands. Great match in the Z4, looks OEM.

For anyone interested, it weighs in at 186g on my kitchen scales (compared to ~500g for the Storm one) so a good bit lighter. I know a lot of the positive comments about the Storm one are it's weight smooths out the gearchange, but I've not noticed any difference with this one as it's not dramatically heavier than the standard one. It does feel nicer in the hand though, sits approx 1.5" lower too due to smaller size, nice gearchange.

I know :worthless: so I'll sort some out tonight :)
 
that looks quite nice, iv been looking for one since the grey finish on mine started to come off when i used a leather cleaner on it.

easy to fit?
 
Rudd_2002 said:
easy to fit?
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Yep, hardest part is wrenching the old one off - just pull it hard enough and off it pops. New one's secured with 3 (hidden) allen bolts, seems secure enough.
 
i have storm, its well worth it. i bought it 2nd hand off this very forum, the weight is what makes it so good
 
a11y, what diameter is your Richbrook knob? Do you like the full sphere or do you think it would be better with a flat on top? thx
 
Rudd_2002 said:
where did you get this from btw?
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had to wait til I got home to check the website address: http://www.kpautomotive.co.uk/richbrook-satin-ball-gear-knob-titanium-p-2793.html - £15.99 but hefty P&P (still cheapest I could find online).


klarky said:
i have storm, its well worth it. i bought it 2nd hand off this very forum, the weight is what makes it so good
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I'd been looking for one for a while but unfortunately nothing popped up for sale secondhand. This one does feel great and since I've never tried a Storm one I don't know what I'm missing :D


Incompatible said:
a11y, what diameter is your Richbrook knob?
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Sooooo glad you inserted "Richbrook" into that sentence.... :o . Quick measurement - it's approx 47mm diameter. I preferred the look of the completely round one - personally I think the flat-topped ones look cheaper.
 
And the photos:





I've positioned it so the Richbrook logo is facing the front so that I can't see it - I hate having logos like that on show (you can just see the edge of it in the second photo).

Cheers
Ally
 
is that the darker shade? it looks much lighter in the pics.... very nice though. matches the aluminium trim
 
rob davey said:
"Central Scotland" that will be a cold gear shift in winter! :P

looks good mind :thumbsup:
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Cheers. It's bloody freezing now though let alone winter :D

Rudd_2002 said:
is that the darker shade? it looks much lighter in the pics.... very nice though. matches the aluminium trim
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Yep, that's the darker of the 2 shades. Certainly lighter in reality than the official Richbrook photo. Matches the inserts on the steering wheel spokes and door pulls perfectly.
 
a11y said:
Incompatible said:
a11y, what diameter is your Richbrook knob?
Click to expand...
Sooooo glad you inserted "Richbrook" into that sentence.... :o . Quick measurement - it's approx 47mm diameter. I preferred the look of the completely round one - personally I think the flat-topped ones look cheaper.
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Yes, I was careful on how I worded the question. :rofl: Thanks for the info. BTW.....Good looking knob you have there! :poke:
 
First we are swingers according to clarkson, then some of us admit to weaaring thongs and now were commenting on other members nobs!! do we need to change the name of this site hehe :P :rofl:
 
Rudd_2002 said:
First we are swingers according to clarkson, then some of us admit to weaaring thongs and now were commenting on other members nobs!! do we need to change the name of this site hehe :P :rofl:
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Show us your knobs? :fuelfire:
 
Rudd_2002 said:
First we are swingers according to clarkson, then some of us admit to weaaring thongs and now were commenting on other members nobs!! do we need to change the name of this site hehe :P :rofl:
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We're just comfortable with our sexuality and can handle any abuse, that's all :rofl:

We are driving the ultimate c0ck/kn0b symbol though: BMW sports cars :roll:
 
Had a round steel/alu knob in my previous cars, just the best looking and best feeling. I don't want to change my original, but it's the best alternative.

Ps cost me only 15euro's @ local shop.
 
Incompatible said:
Rudd_2002 said:
First we are swingers according to clarkson, then some of us admit to weaaring thongs and now were commenting on other members nobs!! do we need to change the name of this site hehe :P :rofl:
Click to expand...
Show us your knobs? :fuelfire:
Click to expand...


Nothing like the feel of a weighted knob in the morning :sos: :rofl: :rofl:
 
I ordered one and test fitted this weekend just gone, if you dont use the collar, you can get the unit down the shaft even furthur, just need to figure a way of securing the gaitor up to the neck of the item ??

The gear change is great now its shortened throw !
 
I cannot fault the ones Doug Whalen supplies, had one on my old Alpina and bought another for the MC:

123Alpina_Knob.jpg
 
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